Clemson Star Cade Klubnik Projected to Replace $230 Million Quarterback in Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft Forecast
Cade Klubnik arrived at Clemson as one of the most heralded quarterback prospects in the country, a five-star recruit with an elite pedigree and high expectations placed on his shoulders from the moment he stepped onto campus. After an up-and-down start to his college career, he now finds himself projected to be one of the first quarterbacks off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft—potentially even replacing a signal-caller with a $230 million contract.
That’s the bold prediction coming out of a recently released early 2026 NFL mock draft, which slates Klubnik as the eventual successor to Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. While mock drafts nearly a full year out are speculative at best, the buzz surrounding Klubnik’s pro potential is gaining legitimate momentum as NFL scouts and analysts begin to look ahead to the next wave of quarterback talent.
The suggestion that Klubnik could land with Cleveland and take the reins from Watson is not just about talent; it’s about timing, contracts, and the trajectory of the NFL’s always-evolving quarterback landscape. Watson, who signed a fully guaranteed $230 million deal with the Browns in 2022, has had a tumultuous stint in Cleveland, plagued by off-field controversy, injuries, and inconsistent on-field play. With that in mind, some league insiders believe the Browns may already be eyeing a possible post-Watson future—especially if his performance in the upcoming season fails to meet expectations.
Klubnik, on the other hand, has steadily matured as a player and leader during his time at Clemson. After backing up DJ Uiagalelei during his freshman season in 2022, Klubnik eventually won the starting job and became the centerpiece of the Tigers’ offense. His athleticism, arm strength, and ability to make plays outside the pocket have all drawn comparisons to top NFL quarterbacks, while his poise under pressure continues to improve with every passing game.
In 2024, Klubnik faced adversity early on, as Clemson struggled to establish consistency under new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. But by midseason, he had developed noticeable command of the offense, showing flashes of elite-level play that justified his five-star billing. His mechanics tightened, his decision-making sharpened, and his leadership qualities began to resonate throughout the locker room. NFL scouts began to take notice.
By the start of the 2025 season, Klubnik will enter his fourth year at Clemson with more starts, more experience, and—if the Tigers bounce back as expected—greater national exposure. If he delivers a high-level campaign and leads Clemson to ACC contention or even a College Football Playoff appearance, his draft stock could skyrocket into top-10 consideration.
And that’s exactly what the early 2026 mock draft predicts—a top-10 selection by the Cleveland Browns, a team that will have to grapple with significant cap consequences if they choose to move on from Watson. The mock draft authors argue that if Watson continues to underperform or cannot stay healthy, the Browns may decide to absorb the financial hit and reset at the most important position in football.
Klubnik presents a compelling alternative. Not only would he be on a rookie contract—far cheaper than Watson’s mega-deal—but he would also offer Cleveland a clean slate, a new face of the franchise who comes without the off-field baggage and with a more dynamic skill set tailored to today’s NFL offenses. His mobility, accuracy on the run, and natural leadership could make him a perfect fit for a Browns team that still boasts a strong defense and a solid supporting cast on offense.
There’s also a deeper connection at play. Klubnik and Watson share a common thread in their college careers—both were standout quarterbacks for Clemson and led by longtime head coach Dabo Swinney. That symmetry would make the transition both symbolic and significant, signaling a full-circle moment for a franchise still chasing its first Super Bowl appearance.
Still, projecting a quarterback to unseat a $230 million incumbent is no small prediction. Klubnik must first take care of business at Clemson in what will be a pivotal year for both his personal development and his team’s success. The ACC will be more competitive than ever, with Florida State, North Carolina, and Miami all building strong rosters, and Klubnik will need to perform at an elite level in marquee matchups if he’s to convince scouts he’s worth a top-10 pick.
But if he does, the stars could align for him to be the face of a major NFL transition. Much like how the Arizona Cardinals replaced Josh Rosen with Kyler Murray or how the 49ers moved on from Jimmy Garoppolo to Trey Lance—and eventually Brock Purdy—the Browns may be the next team willing to take a bold swing at the quarterback position, especially if they believe Klubnik is the future.
The rest of the early 2026 quarterback class is still coming into focus. Names like Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee), Dante Moore (Oregon), and Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma) are also expected to be in the mix, but Klubnik’s experience, national profile, and leadership advantage could give him the edge. He’s already played under the bright lights of Death Valley, faced top-tier competition, and led comeback drives against ranked opponents. Those intangibles matter in draft war rooms.
What’s clear is that NFL teams are always looking for the next breakout quarterback, and Klubnik has positioned himself to be on that shortlist. While many questions remain—how will he handle pressure in big games? Will he cut down on turnovers? Can Clemson compete at a national level again?—the answers will shape both his draft stock and the future of franchises eyeing a reset.
Klubnik has the pedigree, and now, it appears, the momentum. If he continues on his current trajectory, it’s not far-fetched to imagine him walking across the NFL Draft stage in 2026 as a top-10 pick. Whether that’s in Cleveland or elsewhere, one thing is certain: Cade Klubnik is officially on the radar, and the NFL world is watching.
His potential ascension also represents a critical moment for Clemson football. The Tigers, once a fixture in the College Football Playoff, have experienced a dip in national dominance in recent seasons. Klubnik’s success could help reestablish Clemson’s credibility as a quarterback factory, especially in the wake of Trevor Lawrence’s early NFL stardom and Watson’s once-promising transition to the pros.
If Klubnik thrives and cements himself as a top draft prospect, it would affirm the development culture at Clemson and offer a significant recruiting boost for future signal-callers. It could also help quiet some of the criticism that Swinney and his staff have received in recent years for falling behind the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan in the modern era of college football.
Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the hypothetical scenario of Klubnik replacing Watson is not only plausible—it might be necessary. After all, teams don’t wait forever on struggling quarterbacks, regardless of contract value. If Klubnik proves to be the more promising long-term investment, the Browns will have a decision to make. One that could alter the trajectory of their franchise for years to come.
Klubnik isn’t just playing for a college championship in 2025—he’s auditioning for the NFL, and maybe even for the chance to take over one of the most complex quarterback situations in professional football. It’s a high-stakes scenario, but one that fits the mold of modern NFL decision-making. The best player wins the job, regardless of the price tag attached to the one he’s replacing.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the spotlight will only grow brighter on Cade Klubnik. Every throw, every win, every moment of leadership will be dissected by scouts and executives alike. Whether or not he ultimately replaces Deshaun Watson remains to be seen, but one thing is undeniable—Klubnik has the tools, the stage, and now the growing belief that he could be the next big thing in football.
